When it comes to exceptional on-trail carving, the 2025 Volkl Mantra 88 with Salomon Strive 14 GW Bindings stands out as a top contender. Renowned for its powerful precision, the Mantra 88 offers unparalleled edge grip and explosive, energetic release at the end of a turn. While it does offer some versatility for ungroomed terrain, its primary strength lies in its carving prowess on groomed trails. We paired the 88 with the Strive 14 because of this binding’s well known reputation for safety, reliability, and ease of use. Featuring an LDN toe piece that optimizes contact and response, these bindings integrate seamlessly with boots and skis, allowing for a natural flex and balanced stance, making them the perfect choice to pair with this ski.

Why we like it:

The Mantra 88’s remarkable edge grip and vibration damping make it one of the top performers on the market. It excels in high-speed stability, delivering consistent pop and energy during the final phase of a carve, with precise and responsive performance from the start of the turn.

Who it's for:

This ski is best suited for advanced to expert skiers who seek top-tier carving performance on-trail and have the skill to fully leverage and drive a ski.

Highlights:

Volkl’s 3D Radius sidecut provides the Mantra 88 with three distinct turn radii based on the ski’s section that is engaged, with specific sidecuts in the tip, underfoot, and tail areas. The Tailored Titanal Frame includes a full sheet of titanal beneath the core and a segmented frame above, allowing for precise flex tailored to different parts of the ski, resulting in exceptional edge grip. Tailored Carbon Tips feature hand-laid carbon stringers to adjust torsional stiffness, enhancing turn initiation, smoothness, and precision. Additionally, Volkl’s Multilayer Wood Core, with poplar and beech stringers, delivers targeted energy and stiffness where it’s needed. The Strive 14 GW, with its lightweight build and low-profile chassis, delivers a smooth and responsive ride all day long. It remains nimble in deep snow and light on your feet as the day progresses. The LDN Toe Pieces offer a low stand height, optimizing power transfer and improving the connection to your skis. The Automatic Toe Adaption feature effortlessly adjusts to GripWalk boots without the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the Snow Scrapers on the toe pieces effectively remove snow and ice, ensuring a secure fit that enhances both safety and performance for direct power transmission

Things to consider:

The Mantra 88 is not a light or supple ski; its robust build and impressive carving performance come with a heavier weight and a stiff flex pattern. Its limited tip and tail rocker make it less maneuverable for off-piste exploration and moguls.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These skis are true to size. Less aggressive skiers seeking edge grip might consider sizing down for increased maneuverability, though they will still be demanding. Aggressive skiers desiring more maneuverability without sacrificing carving performance should also consider sizing down. Expert skiers or former racers who seek top-end carving performance should stick with their typical ski length.